5 Ridiculously Easy Dishes You Can Make With a Mini Mixer

A Mini Mixer sitting on an artfully decorated countertop is a marker of a well-curated kitchen. But for those who have kitchenettes or moving into their first apartment without being a serial baker, the valuable countertop space might seem better spent for a more regularly used appliance for a novice cook. But does that mean you should put your dream of cooking up a storm in your Insta-worthy kitchen on pause? Not in the least.

You can get the chic Mini Mixer of your dreams that fits onto a teeny countertop with new KitchenAid's® Artisan® Mini Mixer. But style isn’t the only reason to own one: While you might think Mini Mixers are reserved for cookies and pie crust, there's actually a whole world of savory dishes you can make with the processor that turns cooking into one-step.

Ahead, we rounded up some of our favorite savory meals you can literally whip up with just one product. Keep reading for five easy recipes you can make tonight.

When it comes to making meatballs, mashing up raw ground meat with your hands is definitely not for the faint of heart (or those with a fresh manicure). The solution: grind the ground meet using the grinder attachment and put the ground meat into the Mini Mixer with garlic, eggs, cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper (plus whatever else you like). Oh, and since you’re making meatballs, you’ll want to keep reading for tips on making your own pasta noodles…

Nothing is better (or more impressive to dinner party guests) than homemade pasta noodles, but it might seem a little daunting to beginners. Thankfully this Mini Mixer makes it simple: first roll the pasta into thin sheets and then attach the pasta cutter onto the top of the Mini Mixer for instant wide-ribbon or angel-hair noodles.

Is there such a thing as too much guacamole…The answer, of course, is never (especially when it’s homemade), but there is such a thing as not having enough aid in the prep stage. The process of mashing avocados, not to mention mixing in lime juice, cilantro, onions, and whatever else your top-secret personal recipe involves, can be time- and labor-intensive—especially if you’re making enough for a big party. Chop all of the ingredients using the food processor attachment and mix them using the Mini Mixer for a quick, easy way to make sure the texture is just to your liking.

We don’t know about you, but for us, the holidays mean mashed potatoes (and lots and lots of them), whether it’s the classic kind or a more health-conscious sweet potato or cauliflower version. But instead of making them with a handheld masher this year, use the food grinder attachment for the potatoes and the Mini Mixer to save time and monitor texture more closely.

Hosting a make-your-own-pizza night? Start off with the right base; store-bought dough just doesn’t compare. Use the Mini Mixer’s dough hook to knead the dough so you can spend your time chatting with your friends and having a glass of wine (or two), or prep the dough the night before so you can focus on your sauce, toppings, and conversation.